​Reading about faraway lands or local gems can capture our imagination and spark us to explore. Seeking out cities where our favorite literary authors and characters lived, worked, or were inspired, is the best way to live your life through your favorite books. You can experience all that and more at these five universities. They’re sure to fuel your passion for literature while studying abroad.

San Francisco State University

San Francisco State University is a vibrant community where students are able to work closely with professors this provides SAF students the perfect opportunity to explore literature in the city.​Many generations of writers have been inspired by the City by the Bay. For book lovers, head to the City Lights, the iconic independent bookshop before exploring the neighborhood to find hangouts of popular literary writers. San Francisco also has a nine-day literary event known as Litquake, which is the largest festival of its kind on the West Coast.

Lewis & Clark College

Located in a beautiful urban city while surrounded by natural beauty, Lewis & Clark College will get SAF students' literary imagination running.

Whether it’s the rain, or the amazing coffee, or perhaps the green landscape – whatever it is, Portland has borne many writers. Spend your time abroad at Wordstock, Portland’s ever-growing book festival or pop into the renowned Powell’s Books – the store stocks more than 1 million books!​For a literary adventure, join other SAF students at Lewis & Clark College.

University of Edinburgh

The capital of Scotland, Edinburgh is home to one of the world’s most beautiful cities and the University of Edinburgh, where you can study abroad with SAF.

Named UNESCO’s first City of Literature, Edinburgh is a city for book lovers. With a long literary tradition, Edinburgh has inspired more than 500 novels. Explore Edinburgh where Sir Arthur Conan Doyle dreamed up the eccentric detective Sherlock Holmes, or pop in The Elephant House for hot cocoa and a peek at the view that is said to have inspired Hogwarts from Harry Potter. If you’re in Edinburgh during the summer, plan a trip to the International Book Festival; it’s the largest in the world with hundreds of events.​Take advantage of all literary opportunities in Edinburgh by studying with SAF at the University of Edinburgh.

University of Washington

With a beautiful seaside setting, the University of Washington allows SAF students to work closely with professors on their language speaking and writing skills. Perfect for any bookworm!

Brimming with independent bookstores that will pleasure your imagination, Seattle was the second U.S. city to be named a UNESCO City of Literature. With many general bookshops with something for everyone, there are several specialty shops with a specific target group in mind. Readers visiting the Emerald City will find a variety of unique bookstores dealing in everything from mysteries to travel and much more. A book lover’s visit to Seattle would not be complete without stopping by the Elliot Bay Book Company, an iconic establishment featuring approximately 150,000 books.​Start your next semester by studying at the University of Washington with SAF.

University college Dublin

Ireland’s largest university, the University College Dublin will instantly immerse SAF students in literature.

Soak up the atmosphere and follow in the steps of literary legends with a walking tour curated by James Joyce Centre, then stop in the Dublin Writers’ Museum or sneak a peek of The Book of Kells, housed at Trinity College, to celebrate the bookish history of the city. Prefer poetry to prose? Celebrate the life and works of W.B. Yeats at The National Library of Ireland's interactive exhibit.

l​Whether you love going to swim or play beach volleyball, the beach is always a great spot to hang out while studying abroad - don't forget your sunscreen. These beaches are world-class – the best of the best for surf, sand, and sun. Look no farther than these five top locations to study abroad for those who love the beach!

University of New South Wales

Nestled in the suburb of Sydney, UNSW provides students an outdoor lifestyle year-round thanks to the warm climate. Relax at a range of beautiful beaches in Sydney, from the Sydney Harbour to some of the world’s best surf beaches. There are the world-famous Bondi and Manly beaches, well-kept secret beaches, and secluded beaches in Australia’s oldest national park, the Royal National Park.​Join SAF at the University of New South Wales for the perfect warm weather on Sydney’s beaches.

University of Hawaii, Hilo

The University of Hawaii, Hilo offers SAF students amazing opportunities to explore one of the most beautiful areas of Hawaii.

Hawaii can easily claim to have the most beautiful beaches in the world. Why is that? For starters, they come in every size, shape, and color which provide the ultimate photo-op. Best of all, you can access every single one of them, since all of Hawaii’s beaches are public.

University of California, San Diego

With nearly 263 sunny days a year, University of California, San Diego offers SAF students the perfect conditions to live an active lifestyle. Surfers and sun worshipers alike flock to San Diego for it breathtaking 70 miles of coastline. San Diego has no shortage of incredible beaches with plenty of fun things to do like boardwalks with shops and restaurants, kayaking, surfing, paddle boarding, and other unique diversions.

University of Queensland

Located in the neighborhood of St Lucia, the University of Queensland provides students with a 114-hectare campus and over 300 days of sunshine annually. The Brisbane area is home to a number of tucked away beaches, bayside, and nearby islands. Whether you’re after a surf beach, dog beach, no-wave beach, or a quiet spot to lie in the sun Brisbane’s got you covered.

University of California, Santa Barbara

Considered one of the most beautiful campuses in the world, UC Santa Barbara offers world-class academics on an oceanfront campus.

One of the best parts about studying at Santa Barbara is its proximity to the ocean. With miles of sun-drenched and sandy coastline, you’ll have trouble picking which of its pristine beaches to visit first. From surf-friendly waves to a gentle ocean, a visit to Santa Barbara beaches makes even a perfect day that much better.

From Hainan University, SAF Fall Correspondent Li Ziwei is chronicling his experience at University of California, Santa Barbara.

I got off the bus and the fresh air of California's refreshing summer morning came.

The beginning of my trip to the United States started with a refreshing evening. I came to Los Angeles, the crowded international airport, the bustling crowd, the ground crew coming and going. I quickly found the shuttle bus to the hotel. The driver was very enthusiastic, his greetings made my original nervousness disappear. Not long after, I was at my hotel. I show to rest at a hotel because it would take 3 hours from Los Angeles to Santa Barbara, and it was already eight in the evening when I arrived in Los Angeles. Due to the time difference, I only took a nap at night. I woke up at six the next morning and finally got on the bus to Santa Barbara. I was excited and looking forward to seeing the coastline along the west coast. During the ride, I viewed the large expanse of fields, on the right side of the Loess Hill with sparse vegetation all the way to my dormitory.

I got off the bus and the fresh air of California's refreshing summer morning came. I arrived early and the dormitory was very quiet. The student assistant at the front desk checked my id and checked me in. Each dormitory have a bedroom with a large living room with a refrigerator, microwave, coffee table, several very comfortable sofas and a HD TV. There are three rooms A, B, and C. Room A is a single room, as well as B. There are many combinations of C, but no more than 3 people in each individual room. Each bedroom has a bathroom with a bath and a shower.

11/28 Unforgettable Hot Summer

The beginning of the trip to the United States was the refreshing evening. I came to Los Angeles, the crowded international airport, the bustling crowd, the ground crew coming and going. I quickly found the shuttle bus to the hotel. The driver was very enthusiastic, his greetings made my nervousness disappear.

Not long after, I was at my hotel to rest, because it took 3 hours to drive from Los Angeles to Santa Barbara, and it was already 8 o'clock in the evening when I arrived in Los Angeles. Due to the time difference, I only took a nap at night. I woke up at 6 o'clock the next morning and got on the bus to Santa Barbara. I was excited and looking forward to the coastline along the west coast of the United States. A large expanse of fields, on the right side of the Loess Hill with sparse vegetation, arrived all the way to my dormitory.

​The dormitory was still very quiet. I arrived earlier. I got off the bus and the fresh air of California's refreshing summer morning came. The student assistant at the front desk checked my identity very seriously and stayed. The dormitory layout is that each bedroom has a large living room with a refrigerator, microwave, coffee table, several very comfortable sofas and a HD TV. There are three rooms A, B and C. Room A is a single room, B and There are many combinations of C, but no more than 3 people in each individual room. Each bedroom has a bathroom, a bath and a shower.

​11/28 Unforgettable Hot Summer

​I still remember the hot summer a year ago. Like most students, I am busy practicing English during summer vacation and preparing my passport and visa information. Time flies unconsciously, like when I was at the University of California, Santa Barbara. In the United States, my time there seemed very long, but soon I returned home, and my heart is dark. I became determined to go to the United States to study for graduate students because I saw the infinite vitality of computers in American universities. I saw the curiosity of American college students; they asked the professors for their kindness and rigorousness. That year in the United States was busy and fulfilling, and it was hard yet made me happy. From this, I have seen my gaps and my future.

Sometimes international students are quite lonely, by making friends with others our lives will not be so dry and full of only homework. ​

​5/21

A silly way of making friends

Everyone seems to know each other and have someone to talk to in the first class, and I am seated there in a silly manner, friendless and lonely. The beginning of the first semester was hard because the classes that I took were about English literature, there were few international students or exchange students like me. Often times, I found myself quite isolated.

To fix this, I figured out a way to make friends. I thought it would be great to share it with all of the international students currently studying in the United States and those who are looking forward to making friends.

The first step is to take the initiative and start the conversation. If we want to make friends, we need to be friendly with people around us. We may say something like “Hey, did you do the assignment yesterday,” or “What was the assignment? I did not quite catch that.” Anything like this would not be as boring as talking about the weather, and will quickly establish a connection that you are on the same team with the other party – struggling to do the work before deadlines. According to my experiences, this worked quite well, and people are willing to talk to you after class or when you meet them next time, for instance, on campus.

In an American culture class, I made a good friend named Davy. He invited me to a small party at his place. I think it was a valuable experience because I got to see what goes on at an American party. Also, I made a friend from France named Victoria, and she always invited me to grab a tea or boba. Sometimes international students are quite lonely, by making friends with others our lives will not be so dry and full of only homework. Another “perk” of making friends is that we may gain more academic insights. For instance, I know this guy named Patrick in a Literature class about music, and we often walked on Telegraph together and chatted a lot. Before the essays were due, we would exchange papers to see if we were on the right track. Also, before the final, we would exchange notes and further discuss the meter pattern of a specific poem, its significance, and so on.

I think my way of making friends is a bit brave, but it is definitely worth a try and rewarding.

Vito MeowHost: University of California, BerkeleyHome: Guangdong University of Foreign Studies Major: English (Advanced Translation and Interpreting)

When U.S. News & World Report Contributor Anayat Durrani asked SAF if short-term study abroad prepares international students for success at U.S. Grad Schools, this is what we said:

1. Do you think semester abroad, summer school, or exchange can be a good way for a prospective international student to test out grad school in the United States?

YES!Study abroad provides the ideal low-stakes environment for international students to test the realities of studying abroad while developing their readiness for a graduate studies application. When facilitated through a nonprofit organization such as The Study Abroad Foundation (SAF), students also benefit from a team of support personnel during this phase of learning.

55% of SAF Scholars who participated in our summer programs, chose to do so specifically to enhance their competitiveness to graduate schools internationally.

My ultimate career goal is to contribute to the development of personalized medicine in cardiovascular diseases and to bring these methods to my home country, Kazakhstan, which has one of the highest cardiovascular disease mortality rates in the world."

2. What may be some of the potential benefits? ​Last year, we learned from our SAF program evaluations that:

SAF Scholars Improve Their Language Skills ​

For example, 90% of SAF Scholars from China who studied in the U.S. during the academic semester/year said their language skills improved, and nearly as many (87%) felt that the experience would benefit their future academic pursuits.

SAF Scholars Obtain Letters of Recommendation

One of the most frequently cited benefits for study abroad students aspiring to graduate studies is the opportunity to develop personal relationships with professors and academics in their field of study. Our students aspire to develop mentorship relationships to guide them forward in their study and career pursuits, and benefit immensely from personal letters of recommendation during the graduate admission process. ​

Roughly 60% of these students solicited letters of recommendation from their professors at their U.S. university, and an astounding 88% of those who did were successful in obtaining letters of recommendation – a key aspect of most post-graduate applications requirements in the U.S.

Nearly 70% of students who studied in the summer and solicited letters of recommendation from their U.S. professors were successful in obtaining recommendations.

​SAF Scholars Fast-Track Their Transition to U.S. Graduate Studies

A proper comprehension of the nature of U.S. teaching and learning through an undergraduate study abroad program can help to fast-track a student’s transition into graduate studies. SAF Scholars gain insight into assessment methodologies in U.S. curricula, and a more evenly weighted workload over the course of a study period compared to the style they expect from their home university undergraduate experience.

[At Berkeley Summer Sessions], I took a lab course, and I am now TA-ing for a similar one :) The lab course is quite different from what I experienced at my previous college: chemistry principles are taught via videos by the professor, but the lab is totally in the TA’s (Teacher's Assistant) charge. This bring us closer with the instructor. ​​- Yichen Yu, Ph.D. Candidate at Duke University| SAF Alumni 2015 -​Berkeley Summer Sessions

Yichen Yu

​SAF Scholars Gain Intercultural Fluency

Outside of the classroom, SAF Scholars receive a sampler of culture that can reduce the shock-factors of first time arrival at a graduate level. This ranges from factors of time and place, to city, climate, and culture. For example, students are often surprised at their need to adjust to U.S. housing standards, the popularity of twin, triple and quad shared rooms, and the nature of meal plans and cuisine options available here.

​SAF Alumni Xiang Li is among a new generation of women in science. While studying abroad, she opened up about the challenges of being a female in a male-dominated field.

"Taking risks, choosing growth, challenging ourselves and asking for promotions—with smiles on our faces, of course— are all important elements of managing a career. Do not wait for power to be offered.”

Seated in a university classroom one day, watching professors assess candidates for a lab manager position, Xiang Li noted something peculiar. When evaluating equals, she said, professors of both sexes time and again awarded higher marks to male applicants than to female ones. "I’m a female student studying engineering and I find something strange in this research environment," Li said. She’s not alone.

For women in STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) gender discrimination remains a stubbornly persistent constant across the traditionally male-dominated disciplines. In the United States, male and female science professors alike offer women jobs and mentoring less often and when they do they pay them less, according to a 2012 study by Yale University scientists. In Scotland, where Li was studying at the University of Edinburgh, the Royal Society of Edinburgh President Sir John Arbuthnott says such discrimination is discouraging.

“The majority of women with qualifications in STEM subjects do not work in STEM areas. This is in marked contrast to men," he wrote this year in a report. "The consequence is a serious loss across the whole economy not just in Scotland but throughout the UK as well as many other European countries. Indeed employers in key sectors are reporting large impending shortages of people with STEM qualifications.”

Li says the weight of lower expectations being levied upon her and women like her can crush their confidence. For example, she recalls the time when a professor at her home university tasked the class with building circuit boards. Many of the boys finished first.

"The teacher gave girls extra points to make up for their [perceived] shortage of ability in the major," Li says. "I think this phenomenon reflects the prejudice between females and males in science, because if teachers think girls should do worse than boys then girls will think their bad performance in practical courses is inborn."

Li, however, refuses to be discouraged. Powerful role models and career coaching offer help and hope. With dreams of earning a doctorate and establishing a successful scientific career, Li is one of many ambitious young women who are setting about to subvert the status quo. As a visiting student, she took on gender inequality one leadership role at a time, starting with managing her own insecurities.

“This is my first time living abroad,” she said. “You can imagine how afraid I feel because of the language problem, cultural differences and new teaching models and so on.” Still, Li refused to let fear keep her from speaking up.

“If I were a professor, I would encourage female students to raise their hands to express opinions and not sit behind others in class,” she said. "Taking risks, choosing growth, challenging ourselves and asking for promotions—with smiles on our faces, of course—are all important elements of managing a career. Do not wait for power to be offered.”

​Whether you’re preparing to study abroad for the first time or beginning another semester overseas, maximize your experience with these tips from SAF American University Alumna Rebecca Yan.

1. Celebrate Your Accomplishments Abroad

At first, everything is new, especially in the United States. In some ways it can seem like you’re living a television series. You find yourself thinking in new and challenging ways. It can be exhausting. Celebrate your everyday achievements, no matter how mundane. Find things you enjoy about the culture and celebrate your independence.

2. Make New (Foreign) Friends

Be sure that you develop long-term friendships with people from around the world. Have deep talks and be open to learn new ways of life. When homesick, find comfort by sharing your culture with your friends from abroad. Chances are they will be enthralled by your stories about home.

3. Travel

From Las Vegas to London and beyond, there are so many places to visit now that you’re in the Western Hemisphere. A great way to get over feeling homesick is to get excited about going on an adventure.

4. Be Open Minded

Be open to not only learning American culture but others, too. Join international clubs and take advantage of the cultural enrichment events at your university. At American University, for example, Abroad at AU provides opportunities for international students to go on city tours, attend talk sessions and more. I can tell you that it is amazing.

5. Use University Resources

I think one of the best parts of studying at American University is that we have so many resources on campus. Visit your university resource center to learn more about campus activities, concerts, sports activities, job fairs, writing labs and more.

6. Learn to Prepare Your Favorite Foods

If you learn to cook even just one of your most-loved meals from home, you won’t have to rely on those (in)authentic restaurants near campus for comfort food. Or, you may return home to find that you miss dining on a new Western favorite. In either case, record the recipes and practice making them in the kitchen -- with friends.

SAF Correspondent Eden Tian is reporting from the Haas School of Business at UC Berkeley.

I do hope more students can be encouraged by me to chase their dream and achieve what they want.

​11/30 MY First American Thanksgiving

​Thanksgiving is the festival for harvest and being grateful for being blessed in the past year. This is my first Thanksgiving in America. As an exchange student from China, I am really excited about this special festival, because we actually don’t have a special festival for being thankful.

​There are many international students like me who don’t have to go back to our family to enjoy holiday; either we choose to travel or stay. We actually have a really long holiday, from Wednesday to Sunday. Some of my friends even chose to travel to the East Coast with friends. For me, I stayed. The reason why I stayed is some of my American friends invited me to their house to enjoy the real, local Thanksgiving.

Getting together with friends for Thanksgiving has become such a precious memory for me, and I don't regret staying (local). Maybe I miss the beautiful scene of traveling, but it has been filled with all kinds of Thanksgiving food and laughter. Before the meal, we truly prayed for everyone and everything we have now. I was feeling how great we need to cherish the moments we have in everyday life. Being grateful is actually the core value of this festival and it gave me more meanings than just traveling.​After the days surrounded by the nice smelling of pumpkin and turkey, here comes the “Dead Week”. Have you recovered from the holiday and are you ready for finals?

​10/19 Midterm madness Gives Way to Monterey

I never thought a midterm could be so intense like what I have just been through! The competitiveness here is a burden, but also an opportunity to push you to make progress. The days [I spent] studying in Moffitt Library have already left a strong impression on me and will be an important memory of my study abroad experience for years to come. Studying at the library until 1 a.m. is something I have never done in my home university, even during finals week. (Berkeley offers a library, with room for resting, that you can stay all night in.) Even when I left the library, there were still many students still studying with full concentration.

What I have learned from this cruel midterm is never study alone! Keep in touch with the professor and GSI, send emails or ask questions during office hours. No matter what kind of way, solve all your questions before the midterm. Start reviewing as early as possible. Full preparation is the best way to disaggregate your burden before exams. Definitely, midterm period is tough and tiring! But it’s also a good reflection for period learning, which reminds you to make adjustments for the future.

Having experienced the first midterm in Berkeley, I was feeling so tired and stressed. I urgently needed a break. A trip was definitely the best choice. Driving one hour towards south, we arrived in a very beautiful city near the Pacific Ocean----Monterey. We were so lucky that the weather that day was so great for hiking. The blue sea and sky almost melted together, looking at the scene like that. I was healed by the nature. I can’t stop praising the power of the creator and telling myself I cherish every second of my life.

​9/19 My First Month Milestones

I can’t imagine that I have been in California for a month. The day I was in Hong Kong airport feels just like yesterday. The past month could be the most colorful and life-changing experience for me.

I learned how to get around town

Berkeley is a university town near San Francisco, which is a 30 minutes drive away. “Bart” is the most convenient transportation connecting the whole Bay Area. For the reason that I arrived ahead of the program beginning time, I couldn’t take the shuttle SAF offered. But it’s easy to take Bart from SFO airport to Downtown Berkeley where the university located.

I learned how to be brave and ask for help -- in English

Thanks to some of my American friends living in Berkeley, I stayed in their apartment for a night. I have to say that most of the Americans I have met they are so friendly and willing to offer help to strangers. Not only my friends, but also the Bart staff, passersby who showed me the way, and the staff of SAF. If it’s the first time you have been in America, just be brave to ask for help if you need. Don’t worry about your language; they won’t laugh at your accent or grammar. Being brave to talk could be the most important thing for your journey and daily life.

I learned how to navigate a different approach to academics abroad

UC Berkeley offers every student an orientation which almost explains everything you need to know in the future, including academic and basic life tips. And teachers and assistants are willing to help you solve your problems/answer questions -- just feel free to email them. The first week is actually a little bit tiring for every student, because you have to take part in many courses you are interested in and then make decisions about whether the course is appropriate for you to enroll in. Even though we don’t have the priority to choose whatever courses we want, there are still many choices for us exchange students. I major in Finance at my home university, so I have chosen two courses from Haas Business School which is a very outstanding business school in the world. Even though I only take half the number of courses here, compared to the number of courses in my home university, I still feel fulfilled -- and some pressure -- from the coursework. Maybe it’s a result of language barriers or a different learning system, but it reminds me that I have to devote more time to my studying, which also means that I could learn more.

I learned how to make the most of my time as an SAF Scholar

Many of my friends ask me how long I will stay here. I answer:“ one semester”. They always reply : ”That’s so short, but make it count !” Yes! They are right! Just make it count.

Here’s the beautiful view of Haas!

Eden TianHost: University of California, BerkeleyHome: South China University of TechnologyMajor: Advertising, Finance

I really appreciate SAF for helping me get the chance to experience campus life at UCLA. This 6-weeks' experience will definitely be my lifelong memory. I want to share my story and true feelings with other students who also have the dream of studying abroad. If my blogs could help others, I will be very happy.

10/15 MY Reflections on an Unforgettable Summer

This summer, I applied for a six-week academic program at UCLA Summer Session C. During this period, I completed eight credits, including four credits of principles of accounting (ii) and finance. What I have learned most from this academic project is the difference between China and Western countries from various aspects, including study and life.

As for academic study, our relations with the professor are more equal. Professors will pay special attention to the whole class and patiently answer questions from each student. The local students are always active. Although it is only a six-week course, the content is the same as those in one semester. There are many personal and group assignments. Teamwork is also very common.

I wanted to exercise communication skills and joined a group of native English speakers. During the process, you can find everyone involved in this assignment. I also engaged in the whole process and helped to revise our work. Most of all, I really appreciated my team members for helping me polish up my part of the paper. As for the result, I got As in two classes!

During this period, I met a Japanese girl who attended the same class with me and established a profound friendship. We went to Disneyland together. In addition, I went on a three-day trip to San Francisco, the financial center of California, where the city was very busy. There were homeless people along the road and rainbow flags, all of which are part of the culture of San Francisco.

In the fifth week, I was especially homesick. So I made a DIY hotpot with my roommates and took a taxi to the night market near Chinatown to eat BBQ and feel the taste of my hometown. Our American friends tried our hot pot and praised it a lot. Some feelings are the same around the world.

I felt that this exchange was very meaningful to me. This was the first time I went out of the country and went to a strange country alone. I lived alone for a month and a half, but I lived a very fulfilling life every day. On the one hand, I had a very compact academic schedule. On the other hand, many differences in life forced me to quickly respond and adapt to them.

I miss the experience so much. I have been back for one month. Nowadays, I am working on the application for a graduate program. I hope that I can remember these days at UCLA which made my life different!

9/11 My Labor Day Weekend Getaway

our Last week, I experienced the Labor Day weekend. Outlets, Disneyland and Night market made my week! I will explain them as follows. On September 1, I went to Disneyland with my Japanese friend Nagisa. We met each other during the Finance class this summer and became good friends. She is my first foreign friend and I cherish our friendship a lot! We spent whole day in Disneyland and visited all the attractions. Moreover, we saw the incredible Fantasy Show at night. Disney’s fairy tale characters and plots were mapped to a water fountain. I was totally shocked. Although it was a tiring trip, we enjoyed a lot and got to know each other better. During Labor Day weekend, I went to the Outlets and the 626 Night Market with my roommates. We bought gifts for our parents and friends in China. Due to Labor Day, most of the shops had sales. Girls from anywhere love shopping very much. After such a nice shopping day, we went to the 626 Night Market next to Chinatown. To be honest, we both miss Chinese food very much. This night market was first built by some people from Taiwan. We met lots of foreigners there and enjoyed the delicious food. Photos below! Next week, we will try to DIY Chinese hotpot! I am looking forward to the cooking time! In the meantime, I am fighting for the final exams which will come soon. See you at the next blog post!

8/30 I'm Winning at Midterms

Busy week for midterms! Time flies. I have been at UCLA for three weeks. Half of the summer session has passed, and I experienced my first midterm exam and group assignment. As for the midterm exam in America, what is different is that here we can bring one piece of paper in case we forget the formulas. Fortunately, I got a great score due to my hard work in my Finance class. Moreover, I experienced my first group discussion with local students. They made a reservation in the Young Research Library, where the facilities are quite convenient. Those people are really nice and patient. I am happy to be involved in such an international group. At first, I was a little shy. But with their courage and help, I became more familiar with this pattern and made much progress during this process. I am really appreciative of my group peers and nice professors! Next target is the final! In the meantime, I'm exploring all that Los Angeles has to offer:

8/23 My MEMORABLE Bus Tour of San Francisco

Diya Liu at the San Francisco Visitor Information Center.

Thanks for the help of SAF, I have been in UCLA for two months. Everything in UCLA and Los Angeles is perfect in my mind. To be more specific, I am strongly enamored by the breathtaking view around the city and the study atmosphere on campus. I will definitely recommend the summer experience in UCLA to my friends.

Last weekend, I went to San Francisco for a three-day trip via USA student tour. The appealing views such as Twin Peaks and Golden Gate Bridge really attract me a lot. The most memorable of all is the skyline of San Francisco which we saw twice from Treasure Island and Twin Peaks. Both of the night view and the day view are beautiful scenery, although the weather is a little foggy.

Diya Liu at Twin Peaks, San Francisco.

Moreover, we also enjoyed the food in fishermen’s wharf, the bustling scene in the financial district and familiar feeling in Chinatown.

Pier 39 at Fisherman's Wharf by Diya Liu.

Downtown San Francisco by Diya Liu.

​Last but not the least, I really appreciate our tour guide Michael and driver Jimmy who were so friendly and humorous. Michael taught us a lot about the history and system of United States and secured our safety all the time. He also encouraged us to experience American culture and be brave to think and practice in English.

San Francisco Civic Center by Diya Liu.

Thanks for this enjoyable trip! I think the photos of mine will tell more of the great trip!

​About DiyaMy hometown is Zhuhai which is a seaside city next to Macau. My major is accounting. My research interest is about auditing and financing management. As for personal interests, I have played piano for 12 years. And after learning volleyball in university, I like it so much. Moreover, I enjoy watching movies, travelling and making friends. I really appreciate SAF for helping me get the chance to experience campus life at UCLA. This 6-weeks' experience will definitely be my lifelong memory. I want to share my story and true feelings with other students who also have the dream of studying abroad. If my blogs could help others, I will be very happy. Sharing may change the world!

Once I went up the to the front of the class to present how a problem is solved. It was kind of an easy one, but my English is just not good enough for me to present fluently. The classmates just waited for me to finish my presentation patiently and even applauded for me after finishing. It’s just so warm.

10/2 Top 3 Things I Learned at UCLA

​This is a leaving entry I wrote on my plane back to China, after my summer session at UCLA. There are so many things I want to talk about. In general, this has been a great study abroad experience.

First, classes are really intense. Even it’s just summer session, UCLA requires that you understand what they always teach during normal quarters. Professors all have different habits but they are all concerned about you. They all have multiple office hours. You may go and ask them questions during their office hours. You may also email them your questions even if it’s not their office hours. During classes, you may ask questions as long as there are some things you don’t understand. Professors always clarify them for you. One thing you should know is the syllabus is always the most important for every class. It has all the important information you need and all the important deadlines you need.

Second, life at UCLA is super convenient. Although it’s in summer session, you can also enjoy the fantastic dining service. During normal semesters, UCLA has nine open cafeterias serving food from all over the world. There is also a fantastic gym which is open 24 hours a day during the week. Swimming pools are also available. Housing buildings are also comfortable. There is a study hall in our building, and also a study lounge, on every floor, which is bright and perfect for self study.

Third, U.S. students are welcome and kind. They really helped me a lot during my stay in the United States. Whenever I have questions about classes or exams, they always answer my questions patiently, and give me as many details as possible.

In a word, I’m totally looking forward to going back again!

9/6 Art and Artisan Noodles

Classes and quizzes continue as usual. However, we made it to Hammer Museum. It’s such a wonderful museum, showing amazing artwork of the best artists. It’s my first time to see a real Vincent Willem van Gogh painting ever! It’s really mindblowing and beautiful. And the museum’s slogan is “Good for free”. I have to say the museum is totally worthy of those words. Even the walls there are full of art. After Hammer Museum, we had froyo which is really delicious. We also went to an amazing Japanese Ramen restaurant. The Ramen is just so good that I can hardly find any words to describe it, and as usual the service was fantastic. Here is a simple suggestion: Guys, studying abroad is not a joke. Please work hard. There are much more things to do than in China.

8/27 My Week of Contrasts

Taking an open-note midterm

Last week was kind of a tough week. I had a midterm exam. This was an open note exam -- I never thought we could actually bring notes to a math exam. Although it’s open note, the exam was still hard. It really tests how you understand the course, not only how well you can make calculations. I think the main difference between Chinese university courses and U.S. university courses is that in the United States the professor will provide you with everything they have, and when testing you really need to make sure you understand the course, not only how to calculate. One important thing I learned here is that American students also work really hard. And they don’t work hard for an exam or for their parents -- they just work hard from the bottom of their heart. They love what they are doing.

Exploring LA as Shanghainese sophisticate

I explored LA a little bit: Hollywood, Universal Studios, Griffith Observatory and Beverly Hills. They are really beautiful. The good service and hospitality really impress me. My favorite is Universal Studios, where they built a Harry Potter Wizarding Land. I got myself a wand there, drinking the pumpkin juice, eating the jumping chocolate frog. I truly had a great time. Santa Monica is where I visit the most. It’s quite a cute place. Although it’s not as fancy as Shanghai’s shopping malls, the music covering every corner of the street every night and the passion it has makes you feel as though you just couldn’t love it more.

Attending an American birthday party and lunch with a professor

This week, I also got invited to a birthday party for my American roommate. That night was fun, and I got to know how U.S. citizens celebrate their birthday. The most interesting experience I had was with a professor I accidentally met at a Starbucks in Santa Monica. She is going to teach in China, so she needed some help to prepare for her trip. So, I helped to advise her and ease the stress of her confusions and anticipated problems. In order to thank me, she invited to me to UCLA Faculty Center and her house for lunch. UCLA Faculty Center is just so beautiful, quiet and elegant. It’s definitely a pure joy if you can have meals there everyday. Her house is beautiful, and her's is the first American house I have ever visited. Thanks to my roommates’ advice, I brought a carrot cake for the lunch. The Professor was really glad I brought a cake and the cake was also really delicious. I really love my roommates! I hope we can be friends forever.

8/17 My First DAys at UCLA

Arriving in Los Angeles​I arrived in Los Angeles on August 6, and with the help from SAF, I got to school without any difficulty. I was really impressed by how beautiful UCLA is and how passionate and helpful everybody is. Fortunately, I got two American roommates which really helps me get to know more about American life. They are also really hospitable and kind. I’m also invited to one of my roommate's birthday [party] which will be on August 24.

Presenting to the class

Classes are also cool. As requested, I signed up for two classes. Each class has a syllabus from which we can clearly see what we are learning and what we’ll get by the end of the class. You also have a clear deadline which helps you plan your days at UCLA well. The professors are so kind. They just don’t care about how your English is and whether your answer is correct or not. The only thing they care [about] is if you are fully participating in the class. But of course, during exams, answers matter. And the professors will explain everything clearly and patiently.

Once I went up [to the front of the class] to present how a problem is solved. It was kind of an easy one, but my English is just not good enough for me to present fluently. The classmates just waited for me to finish my presentation patiently and even applauded for me after finishing. It’s just so warm.

Eating at the cafeteria

​Cafeterias are also good. They change the menu every day. The workers there are so kind. And, the words on their shirts are impressive, ”Good food. Good time. Good life.”, which can not be felt in China. But don’t expect too much of American food; Chinese cook the best food.

Moving into the dorms

​Dorms are just so comfortable that I felt like I’m living in a five-star hotel. The housekeepers are so hard-working and polite that you just feel like you are home. Now, I just hope 2017 UCLA Summer Session C never ends.